Government consults on plan for competency and conduct standard for social housing staff

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce a new, regulatory standard relating to the competence and conduct of social housing staff.

DLUHC said: “This standard will require senior managers and executives to have, or be working towards, a relevant qualification. It will ensure that staff have up-to-date skills, knowledge and experience, and that they exhibit the right behaviours to deliver a high quality, professional service and treat residents with respect.”

The proposals, which would only apply in England, would see the Secretary of State make a direction to the Regulator of Social Housing, using powers under section 197 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

The consultation, which can be viewed here, closes on 2 April 2024. It contains DLUHC's draft direction to the Regulator and a draft policy statement setting out the detail of the proposed qualification requirements for senior managers and senior executives.

Writing in the foreword, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “The proposals set out in this consultation should equip all social housing staff with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to provide tenants with a high quality, respectful service - helping to ensure that tragedies like the Grenfell fire and the death of Awaab Ishak never happen again.”